A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dingle vs. Toulon for Beaches, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Dingle or Toulon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dingle or Toulon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dingle

Dingle is a rustic, picturesque, and serene peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dingle and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Toulon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulon than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulon is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Dingle is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Dingle different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulon and Dingle. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dingle or Toulon?

Toulon is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Is the Food Better in Dingle or Toulon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Dingle and Toulon can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dingle area. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Toulon. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dingle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Dingle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dingle or Toulon?

Toulon is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dingle or Toulon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dingle. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Toulon offers lots of family activities. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Couples?

Dingle is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Dingle is a very popular place to visit for couples. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Dingle or Toulon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Toulon is a popular place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Dingle or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

For even more information, also check out Is Dingle Worth Visiting? and Is Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dingle or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dingle than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dingle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

Families should spend more time in Toulon than Dingle. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Toulon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Toulon than Dingle. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Toulon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon than Dingle if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Toulon.

One day in Dingle or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Dingle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dingle or Toulon?

Dingle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Toulon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dingle or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dingle or Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Dingle. This peninsula offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Toulon. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Dingle and Toulon, we can see that Dingle is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dingle Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dingle and Toulon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dingle or Toulon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dingle or Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Toulon. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dingle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dingle is much colder than Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dingle in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Toulon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during summer. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dingle usually receives more rain than Toulon. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dingle or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Toulon. Many travelers come to Dingle for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dingle is generally cooler than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 12°C (53°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. In the autumn, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 205 hours of full sun.

Dingle receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Dingle usually gets more rain in October than Toulon. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dingle in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dingle is around the same temperature as Toulon in the winter. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Toulon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Toulon during winter. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Toulon receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. In January, Dingle usually receives more rain than Toulon. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dingle or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Dingle during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dingle for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dingle is cooler than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dingle in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Toulon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Toulon. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toulon receives 245 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in April than Toulon. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Dingle